Compartmented fiberboard egg case



R. GUYER COMPARTMENTED FIBERBOARD EGG cAsE July 23, 1946.

Fiied April 29,1943 4 sheets-sheet 1 @l @W mum@ my 39 3%@ l R. GUYER COMPARTMENTED FIBERBOARD EGG' CASE Filed .April 29, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 uy 2, 194, R GUYER COMPARTMENTED FIBERBOARD `EGG CASE Filed April 29, 1945 4 Sheets-Shee't 4 tion:

Patented July 23, 1946 2,404,704 COMPARTMEN TED FIBERBOARD EGG CASE Reynolds Guyer, St. Paul, Minn., assignor to Waldorf Paper Products Company, St. Paul,

Minn., a corporation of Minnesota Application April 29, 1943, Serial No. 484,963

15 Claims. 1

My invention relates to an improvement in egg case and method of forming the same, wherein it is desired to produce a case capable of holding a considerable quantity of eggs or other goods, which case is formed entirely of cellulosic sheet material.

`For many years, attempts have been made to produce egg cases of Vfibrous sheet material such as of liber board or of corrugated paper board. While some of these cases thus formed have worked out satisfactorily, difficulty has been experienced in forming a case which is simple to assemble and which may be made at a sufciently low cost to compete with inexpensive wooden cases for the same purpose. An object of the present invention lies in the provision of an egg case which may be manufactured at a low cost and with a relatively small amount of material and yet it may be assembled ina simple manner. Accordingly the cases thus formed may be shipped in flat formation and may be assembled by the producer in an extremely short time.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of an egg case having reinforced end walls so as to withstand compression, A further feature of the invention lies in the provision of a case which is simple to open and close and which when closed has little tendency to open.

A further feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a case which includes a rectangular shell which may be folded flat when not in assembled form and in the provision of a pair of additional elongated strips which form a central separating partition, a case bottom, reinforcing end wall portions, and foldably attached cover elements. When these two elements are added to the rectangular shell construction a complete egg case is fc-rmed.

An additional feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a form by means of which the parts of the case may be easily assembled. Such a form may be provided for the use of the producer so that the cases maybe shipped in flat condition and assembled in a small period of time.

An additional feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a locking means which prevents outward bowing of the case walls when the cover members are in closed position.

These and other objects and novel features of my invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

In the drawings forming a part of my specifica- Figure 1 is a perspective view of my egg case in readiness for filling.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section through the' case showing the construction thereof.

Figure 3 is a top perspective View of the shell, the bottom of the case being broken away.

Figure 4 is a bottom perspective, view of the case shell, the top thereof being broken away.

Figure 5 is a perspective View of the case completing strip elements in folded relation much as they would appear when in position within the shell shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing the died-out form of the case completing strip.

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic View showing the died-out formation of the blank forming the case shell.

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view through the central partition member when the cover of the case is closed.

Figure 9 is a perspective View of the form used in assembling the cases,

Figure 10 is a View of the form shown in Figure 9 with the case shell mounted thereon.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the case shell with the case completing strips partially installed thereinto.

Figure 12 is a perspective View similar to Figure 11 showing the next step in assembling the case completing strip Within the shell.

The egg case A includes an outer rectangular shell I0 and a pair of case forming elements Il and I2. The case forming elements II and I2 are identical in formation but have been given different identification numerals in View of the fact that they may be individually operated.

The enclosing shell It may be formed of a single length of ber board or the like, but for the sake of economy and simplicity of handling, the shell IU is formed of two separate elements I3 and I4 connected together. Both the elements I3 and I4 are identical in form, but have been given separate identification numerals for simplicity of explanation.

Each of the shell sections I3 and I4 include a wall panel I5 connected along a fold line I6 to an end panel I'I. The end panel I'I is connected along the fold line I9 parallel to the fold line IE to an attachment flap 20. The attachment nap 2G of the section I3 overlap the free edge 2| of the side panel I5 of the shell sectionil4. .Similarly the attachment flap 20 of the shell section I4 overlaps the edge 2| of the end panel I'I of the section I3. Obviouslythe sections I3 and I4 could be connected along a fold line rather than having these sections connected by staples such as 22.

Along the upper edge of the side panel l5 are connected a pair of flaps 23 and 2li which are connected to the side wall panel i5 along the common fold line 25. These flaps 23 and 24 are separated by a slot 25 which extends from the `free edge of the flaps to the fold line 25. Opposed projecting ears 2'! are provided on the adjacent ends of the flaps 23 and 2f! for a purpose which will be later described in detail.

As elongated flap 29 is connectedalong a fold line 3G to the lower edge of the panel I5 oi each section i3 and lll. This flap 279 is 4provided with a central notch Si for a purpose which will 'be the case form asillustratedxin'ligure`6 ofthe drawings. VThese strips I l and' I2 comprise an endfiap 3i connected along a fold line 39 to a partition panel li. The partition panel lil is connected along a fold line 4l to-a bottom panel 42. l This bottom panel is connected along a fold line 43 to the end wall reinforcing panel The reinforcing panel YM is connected along the fold line 55 to a top cover panel 13,5.H'Ihis cover ypanel d'5 is foldably connestedY alongthe line il to -an end fiap is having beveled corners 50.

Thefold line 39 includesa pair of channel- `:sha1-field diecuts 5l 'which lshort projecting ears 52Awhich will be more fully described. The

fold linefli is provided with a pair of opposed edge notches 53 which'ectend along vthe'fold line 4 Ih from opposed edges of" the strip.

In theformaton of the crate Athe rectangular shell III is-preferably inverted and the case formling strip elements Il `and i2 held in contiguous relation are inserted into the shell centrally so aS-to `loe midway between the end panels ifi of the shell and -parallelthereto. When the fold line V4I is'movedrto a position adjacentthe upper edges ofthe flaps 29, these flaps are folded inwardly to extend atright angles to the side walls i3 ofthe sleeve with the portion ofthe flaps 29 between ,the base of the slots 3i and the fold line 30 'ernbraced inA the vslots 53 of -the strips Il and I2. It will also be noted that the slots 3| theneembrace a portion of theA strips I2 and i3, thus interlocking theuiap's 2i? with the strips i2v and The end naps 4e of the strips I2 and le are then inserted within the end walls lIll of the shell, one strip i i-being inserted within one end wall le, while the other strip l2 extends within the opposite wall lli. These strips Il and i2 are inserted until th panels thereof lie interiorly of the 'walls i4, vwhereupon the panels d2 form the Vbottom of the case at the same time the panel 46 andthe end flaps 49 project beyond the top of "the shell to provide an open top case which may be closed by the two panels 46 of the strips Il and l2.

To accomplish this assembly in-a simple manner 'the form best illustrated in Figure `l2 of the jdrawings may be used. This form includes'a pair Aof spaced end supports'd 'and 55 in parallel lrelation connected by laterally extending connecting strips H and l2 are both formed ing bars 56. The end supports 54 and 55 are so spaced as to permit the shell Hi to encircle the same and so that when the shell is in the unfolded position illustrated in Figure l0 of the drawings, the free edges of the 'flaps 23 and 24 rest upon the connecting bars 56 so as to limit downward Amovement of the shell-Ile.

Apai'r of spaced tab-le elements 351 and 5g are arranged in coplanar relationship at the upper `extremity of the supports 54 and the adjacent edges of these table portions 51 and 59 are supported by spaced vertical supports @il and 6l. Thus a slotted table is formed for supporting the shell i@ so that the top of the table is substantially even with the fold lines 3) of the shell IE) when the shell is Supported in inverted position thereupon.

ln assembling the case A, the shell forming elements i3 andY I4 are first connected together in any suitable means such as by the staples 22to form Varectangular wall portion. The case frmving strips il and l2 are 'placed in Voohtnguo'u's relation and the end flaps 37 andpartition Yfo'rm- Y ving `flaps 'd are inserted in thefslot formed be-Y as best illustrated in Figure l2 ofthe drawings.

The vertical supportsV 5s and A55 Iare so spaced as to provide a slot between each vertical support and the adjacent end wall l1 of the shell Iii. Into each vertical slot is inserted an end flap 49 of one of the strips H `or`I2. The'stri'ps are then forced Adownwardly through the"slots withinV the side walls Il in the 'manner illustrated in Figure 12 of the drawings until theipahels '11 lie interiorly of Athe end panels l1 'and until the bottom'p'anels 42 of the strips lie'in'conta'cting relationwith the VfoldedY flaps 29.

When in this positio'nthe crate A'is assembled and is'inreadiness for'lli'ng. The crate is usually filled' by placi'ng'the eggs on suitable -egg flats made'particularly for the purpose and the eggs theend flaps 4'9 vare inserted between the partitin walls das best illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. `This action separates the partition walls Lit. This separation of the partition walls 40 acts to lock the flaps 23' and 24 from lateral movement in as rnanner which will be hereinafter set'forth. When thusv'closed a'strip of paper adhesive tape or the like, indicated inFigure 2 of Vthe drawings -by the numeral $2 is placed fover the seam rbetween the cover flaps "it and to extend partially over the opposed side wall panels l5.

I vprefer to Vfold Athe iiaps 35, formed by Athe `die out line 34, upwardly to overlie a portion ofjhe end walls i1, as best illustrated in Figure 2. The

flaps 32 may then be folded along the fold line 33 to overlie the flaps 35. 4The flaps 32 may be held in folded position by staples 54 or other suitable means. A hand hold having a rounded lower edge is thus provided.

I have described the fact that ears 52 are formed between the end flaps 3l and the partition panels di) by die-cut lines These ears 52 form apertures in the partition panels 40 below the fold lines 39 at the upper extremity of the panels 4B, which may be engaged by the ears 2l on the flaps 23 and 2d. When the flaps 23 and 24 are fo-lded down into the position shown' in Figures 1, 2, and 3 of the drawings, the openings formed by cutting out the ears 52 are in alignment with the ears 2l. Therefore when the end ilaps 49 are inserted between the partition walls 40, these partition walls 4l! are forced apart, urging the ears 2l through the apertures 65 formed adjacent th'e top of the partition walls 4B.

Whenthus locked as best illustrated in Figure 8 of the drawings, the flaps 23 and 24 are held from lateral movement, thus preventing outward bowing of the side wall panels 25 away from the vertical edges of the partition walls fili.

. Ventilating openings 65 of any desired shape are provided in the side walls i5 to permit a circulation of air through the case. These openings may be placed in any strategic position, but are preferably formed through the side wall panels I5 in View of the fact that these panels are of single thickness.

In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my egg case and of the method of forming the same, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiment thereof, I desire to have it understood that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention. l

. I claim:

1. An egg case comprising a substantially rectangular shell having side and end walls, foldably connected flaps on the lower edge of said side walls, a pair of compartment forming members within said shell each' comprising a partition wall in interlocking relation with said ilaps, a bottom wall designed to underlie said flaps, and an end reinforcing wall arranged in parallel contacting relation with an end wall of said shell.

` 2. An egg case comprising a rectangular shell having connected side and end Walls, and a pair of egg compartments within said shell each comprising parallel walls enclosed between the end walls of said shell and extending substantially parallel thereto, a bottom wall connecting said parallel walls, and a top wall foldably connected to one of said parallel walls, said shell having Ilaps issuing from the upper and lower edges of said side walls, the flaps on the lower edges of said side walls overlying, said bottom wall and the flaps issuing from the upper edge of said side walls underlying said top wall.

3. An egg crate comprising a substantially rectangular shell having side and end walls and foldably connected naps issuing from the upper and lower edges of said side walls, a pair of compartments within said shell, each comprising a partition wall substantially parallel to said end walls, a bottom wall underlying said ilaps on the lower edge of said side Walls, and an end wall reinforcing panel extending parallel to and adjacent the end walls of said shell, and a top panel foldably connected to said end wall reinforcing panel, said top panel arranged to overlie said ilaps issuing from the upper edges of said side Walls.

4. An egg case comprising a substantially rectangular shell having side and end walls, flaps issuing from the upper and lower edges of said side Walls, a pair of compartments within said shell, each of said compartments being formed bya compartment forming strip, said ycompartment forming strip comprising an end flap designed to overlie said end flaps on the upper edges of said side walls, a partition wall arranged to extend substantially parallel to the end Wall of said shell, a bottom wall designed to extend beneath the flaps issuing from the lower edges of the side walls of said shells and an end wall reinforcing panel designed to extend parallel to and adjacent an end wall of said shell.

5. A shipping case comprising a rectangular body shell having side and end walls, iilaps issuing from the upper and lower edges of said side walls, and a pair of compartments within said shell, each said compartment being formed by an end flap adapted to overlie the naps issuing from the upper edges of said side walls, a partition panel extending substantially parallel to said end walls of said shell, a bottom panel arranged to underlie said flaps issuing from the lower edges of said side walls. an end wall reinforcing panel designed to extend parallel toand adjacent an end wall of said shell, a top panelfoldably connected to said end wall reinforcing panel, and a cover tongue foldably connected to said cover panel, the tongues of said two cover forming strips designed to extend between said partition forming panels.

6. An egg case comprising a rectangular body shell having a substantially open bottom, and a pair of strip elementsof a width substantially that of the inner width of the shell positioned in the shell, flaps on the bottom edge of the shell in interlocking relation with said strip elements holding said strip elements .from vertical movement, each said strip element including a partition wall panel, a bottom panel foldably connected thereto, and an end reinforcing wall panel foldably connected to said bottom panel, said partition wall panels being in opposed parallel relation, and said bottom panels forming the case Y bottom.

'7. An egg case comprising a, rectangular body shell having a, substantially open bottom, and a pair of strip elements of a width substantiallyV tion wall panel, a bottom panel foldably connected thereto, an end reinforcing wall panel foldably connected to said bottom panel, and a top panel foldably connected to said reinforcing wall panel, said partition wall panels being in opposed parallel relation, `and said bottom panels forming the case bottom.

8. An egg case comprising a rectangular body shell having a substantially open bottom, and a pair of strip elements of a width substantially that of the inner width of the shell positioned in the shell, flaps on the bottom edge of the shell in interlocking relation with said strip elements holding said strip elements from vertical movement, each said strip element including a partition wall panel, a bottom panel foldably connected thereto, an end reinforcing wall panel 7 foldably connected to said bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to said reinforcing wall panel, and an end nap foldably secured to said top panel, said partition Wall panels being Vin opposed parallel relation, and said bottom panels forming the case bottom.

9. An egg case comprising a 4rectangular body shell .having a substantially ,open'bottom, and a pair of strip elements of a Width substantially that of the inner Width of the shell positioned in the shell, flaps on the bottom edge of the shell in interlocking relation with said strip elements holding said strip elements from vertical movement, each said strip element including a partition Wall panel, a bottom panel foldably connected thereto, an end .reinforcing Wall panel foldably connected to said bottom panel, and an end nap foldably connected to said partition wall panel, said partition wall panels being in opposed parallel relation, and said bottom panels forming the case bottom.

10. An egg case comprising a rectangular body shell having a substantially open bottom, and a pair `of strip elements of a width substantially that `of `the inner Width of the shell positioned in the shell, flaps on the bottom edge of the shell in interlocking relation with said strip elements holding said strip elements from vertical movement, each said strip Velement including a partition Wall panel, a bottom panel foldably connected thereto, an end reinforcing Wall panel ioldably connected to said bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to said reinforcing Wall panel, an end nap foldably secured to said top panel, and anend flap foldably connected to said reinforcing Wall panel, said partition Wall panels being in opposed parallel relation, and said bottom panels forming lthe case bottom.

11.. An egg case comprising a rectangular body shell vhaving a substantially kopen bottom and top, land a pair of strip elements of a width substantially that of Vthe inner width of the shell positioned Vin the shell, top flaps on the upper edge of thelshell, bottom flaps on the bottom edge of Vthe shell in interlocking relation with said strip elements holding said strip elements from vertical movement, each said strip element includingfa partition wall panel, a bottom panel foldably connected thereto, .an end reinforcing Wall panel foldabiy connected to said bottom panel, and a ltop panel connected `to said reinforcing Wall panel, said top panels overlying said top flaps of said shell, said partition Wall panels being in opposed parallel relation, and said bottom panels forming the case bottom.

12- An egg case comprising a rectangular body shell having a substantially open bottom and top, and a pair of strip elements of a width sub-` stantially that of the inner Width of the shell positioned in the shell, top iiaps on the `upper edge Yof the shell, bottom 'flaps on the .bottom edge of the shell in interlocking relation with said strip elements holding said strip elements from vertical movement, each said strip element including a partition; Wall panel, a bottom panel foldably connected thereto, .an end reinforcing Wallpanel foldably connected Yto said bottom panel, v,and an end `flap on said `partition Wall panel, said end flap overlying said top flaps of said shell, said partition Wall panels being kin opposed parallel relation, and said bottom panels forming 'the case bottom.V

13. An egg case `comprising `a rectangular body shell vhaving a substantially open bottom and top, and a pair of strip elements of a Width substantially that oi' the inner Width of the shell positioned in the shell, topflaps on theupper edge of 'the shell, bottom flaps on the bottom edge of the shell'in interlocking relation With said strip elements holding said strip elements from vertical movement, each said strip element including a partition VWall panel, a bottom panel foldably connected thereto, an end reinforcing Wall panel foldably connected to said bottom panel, an end flap on said partition wall panel, and a top panel connected to said reinforcing wall panel, said top panel and said end flaps overlying said top llaps of said shell, said partition Wall panels being in opposed parallel `relation, and `said bottom panels forming the oase bottom.

lll. An eggrcase comprising a rectangular body shell having a substantially cpen'bottom and top, and a pair of strip elements of a Width substantially that of the inner width of the shell p0- sitioned in the shell, top fiaps onV the upper edge of the shell, bottom flaps on the bottom edge of the shell in interlocking relation with said strip elements holding said strip elements from vertical movement, each said strip element including a partition wall panel, abottom panel foldably connected thereto, an end reinforcing Wall panel foldably connected to said bottom panel,

a top panel connected to said reinforcing Wall each of said side Walls, a partition Wall Withinv said shell extending substantially parallel to said end walls and connecting said sidewalls, said connection comprisingY an opening in said partition spaced from the side edges thereof and at least one flap Von each side of the .shell having a projection at one end thereof spaced from the hinge line Aof the nap and extending into the opening to lock said side Walls from separation or bowing outwardly adjacent the lends of saidy partition wall.

`REYNOLDS GUYER. 

